A Riverfront transformation years in the making
By Peighton Yoakam, OMAHA, Neb. — What was once a stretch of barren concrete along the Missouri River is now one of Omaha’s most popular family destinations. Since breaking ground in late 2020, the Discovery Playground at Lewis & Clark Landing has undergone a dramatic transformation — and it’s capturing attention far beyond Nebraska.
Designed to reflect the region’s natural beauty, the immersive play space includes sand and water features, prairie gardens, and 30- to 50-foot climbing towers inspired by Nebraska’s loess hills. Just a short walk away, the Gene Leahy Mall playground offers an urban contrast — a sleek “play spine” design featuring rope forests, tunnels, and slides.
“This would’ve been awesome when my kids were younger,” said Shelby Griffey, a local babysitter visiting the park for the first time. “We’ve taken vacations where they had play areas like this. Having something like this here, locally, is really awesome for the younger generation.”
Out-of-town visitors flock to Omaha
For many, the playground is not just a neighborhood amenity — it’s a destination. Andy Seiler, a father visiting from Lincoln, says his family makes the trip specifically to enjoy the riverfront park.
“Spaces like this bring people to Omaha,” he said. “We spend money at local restaurants and businesses. I even tell friends back in Texas that this park is worth traveling for.”
Seiler also praised the park’s secure layout, noting, “There’s only one entrance, which keeps kids safely inside. It’s a good blend of accessibility and security.”
National recognition — and an unexpected disruption
The Discovery Playground recently received national attention after being nominated as one of the best playgrounds in the U.S. But just as the spotlight brightened, the park faced unexpected challenges.
On March 17th, 2025, police responded to reports of approximately 300 unsupervised minors fighting at the Gene Leahy Mall playground. Officers arrested several juveniles, who were later released to their parents. The incident prompted an early closure of the park that evening.
“It’s unfortunate that, in the same week one of our parks was nominated for a national award, it also had to be shut down early due to juvenile violence,” the Omaha Police Officers Association posted on Facebook.
Police urge parental involvement
Omaha police say park staffing levels vary based on the time of day and season. Lt. Brian Schmaderer of the Southeast Omaha Precinct advises parents to be proactive.
“If you can accompany your child, that’s best,” Schmaderer said. “If not, make sure they have a phone, a designated meeting spot, and know the park closes at 11 p.m.”
Despite the incident, families continue to praise the playground’s thoughtful design and community impact.
“They did this one right,” said Seiler. “It’s something every age group can enjoy and honestly, one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
